Day 16 - routine

16.05.19

Today we want to go back to our favorite beach, but this time equipped with snorkeling gear. The camp 'Papa' lends us two snorkeling masks from a communal box of the accommodation, and after a relaxed breakfast, we set off. The initial uncertainties on the scooter have given way to confidence and we are now extremely skilled with the device. We feel the breeze in our hair as we ride and after a while, we arrive at 'our' beach. Today it is significantly busier than two days ago, but still with enough space. We put on our masks and despite initial skepticism, we can say that they are really good. The glass does not fog up, it is also tight, the only difficulty is breathing through the narrower snorkel compared to regular ones. The underwater world is beautiful, but it can't compare to the bay of Koh Tao. Hundreds of sea cucumbers (how many did we step on two days ago?) cover the seabed, and occasionally, we can even spot some anemones and fish. More concerning are the sea urchins, which are not hidden among rocks as usual, but instead, they sit openly on the bottom. The spines are so long that at a water depth of 1.50 meters, you should swim around them, not over them.

We leave the water, let the sun dry us, and after about two hours, we set off again. We stop at a small restaurant by the road and have Chicken Teriyaki there (super delicious, €1.40, 8/10). Of course, we can't continue without stopping at two more second-hand stores. There we buy a bowl - we broke the one that was borrowed to us by the camp operators.

As we drive back into the city, we discover the next market. We buy, as it can't be different, a few skewers, this time freshly fried (Pro tip: the wooden stick gets fried too). We also get a shake; it was supposed to be pineapple, mango, and passion fruit, but due to a language barrier, it becomes something else. Yogurt, mint, pineapple: regardless, it's delicious! We mount our vehicle and drive to the bungalow.

In the evening, while looking for a restaurant, we end up at the market again, where lively electronic music is playing - a funny atmosphere. At a stand with seating, we get Pad Thai, followed by summer rolls (lots of cabbage!) and more skewers. We enjoy the last scooter ride (it has to go tomorrow) and drive back to the accommodation. Here's a farewell picture that I reluctantly share:

- Alex